SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The Sacramento Black Chamber of Commerce hosted a standing room only event marking the federal holiday. It was called the Juneteenth Freedom Celebration.
"Tonight's celebration is in honor of that freedom and also to have fun and do some connecting together," said Azizza Davis Goines, chamber president.
Juneteenth is an annual holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States. The name "Juneteenth" combines the words "June" and "nineteenth" to honor a historical date. It was originally recognized in Texas on June 19, 1865 before spreading to other states.
"Most people here are business owners, entrepreneurs, small business owners, and those looking to learn more about business," said Danielle Smith, with Moxy Strategies. "Getting together just to network, collaborate and grow those connections especially at a time like Juneteenth, it really is a little more magical or special because of what we're celebrating and why. Having us all here with the same goal in mind is really nice."
Remember for the first time in nearly four decades, Congress approved Juneteenth as a new federal holiday back in 2021.
"Juneteenth is a testament, a testament to the lives of Black Americans who for centuries carried on and fought for what was right, even as their own rights as human beings were denied," said Smith.
Governor Gavin Newsom and the first partner said this year's celebrations should also serve as a lesson for us all.
"We must remember the lessons learned from our past and recommit to creating a brighter future together," said Jennifer Siebel Newsom, first partner.
The Sacramento Black Chamber president said she's made it her mission to use this yearly celebration as a way to bring about positive change.
"I think the message is how important it is for us to make connections, how important it is for us to collaborate and work together and to do what we can to uplift our community," said Davis Goines.
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